Yardbarker: Igor Kokoskovhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nba/players/igor_kokoskov/91427
Recent articles about Igor Kokoskoven-usSkiles Retains Laron Profit and Jay Hernandez for Staff
Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel is reporting that the Orlando Magic will retain the coaching services of Laron Profit and Jay Hernandez as assistant coaches on Scott Skiles‘ staff. Both were originally brought in by Jacque Vaughn for the purposes of player development. Profit in 2012, and Hernandez in 2014. The team obviously believes they performed well in their duties.
When James Borrego took over as interim Head Coach in February, both Profit and Hernandez became JB’s assistants on the bench. Borrego departed Orlando to join the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach for Gregg Popovich. Laron played for 4 seasons in the NBA, while Jay gets credit for training Tobias Harris and improving T12’s game in previous offseasons.
Skiles’ first staff hire was Adrian Griffin. Griffin will be the lead assistant. Add Profit and Hernandez to the picture and Orlando still has a few spots left on their staff as the Draft and Summer League approach. Igor Kokoskov won’t be back with the Mag...22 Jun 2015 19:44:53 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/skiles_retains_laron_profit_and_jay_hernandez_for_staff/19011098
http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/skiles_retains_laron_profit_and_jay_hernandez_for_staff/19011098Skiles Retains Laron Profit and Jay Hernandez for Staffhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/skiles_retains_laron_profit_and_jay_hernandez_for_staff/19011098http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngAdrian Griffin Becomes Orlando’s New Lead Assistant
Scott Skiles has his first Orlando Magic staffing hire. It’s not James Borrego or Igor Kokoskov, but former NBA player Adrian Griffin. The 6’5″ 40-year-old played 9 seasons for the Celtics, Mavericks, Rockets, Bulls, and Seattle. Not bad for a wing player that went undrafted. Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reports that Griffin will indeed by Skiles’ lead coaching assistant. Griffin is viewed more as a defensive mind, but a sharp one at that. Adrian will need to be addressed as ‘Dr. Adrian Griffin’. If not now, then soon.
Skiles gave Griffin his first job as a coach, including the Seton Hall graduate on his Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff as an assistant shortly after Griffin’s playing career ended. Griffin has spent the last 5 seasons under Tom Thibodeau as an assistant in Chicago. Once the Bulls parted ways with Thibs, it made sense for Skiles to go after a familiar face.
The Magic haven’t formally announced Griffin as a hiring yet, but Adrian is ready for a new beginning:
...15 Jun 2015 23:47:36 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/adrian_griffin_becomes_orlandos_new_lead_assistant/18974323
http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/adrian_griffin_becomes_orlandos_new_lead_assistant/18974323Adrian Griffin Becomes Orlando’s New Lead Assistanthttp://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/adrian_griffin_becomes_orlandos_new_lead_assistant/18974323http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngThoughts on the Scott Skiles Press Conference
So the Orlando Magic hired Scott Skiles to be their next Head Coach. The fan and media reaction appears to definitely be mixed on whether or not it’s a good choice. A lot of questions and concerns seemed to have been addressed by that introductory press conference on Friday, it wasn’t just saying ‘process’ a lot. Here’s what I took from it.
Skiles is Alex Martins’ Guy, but Rob Hennigan Made the Decision
At least that’s what they told us. Look, I’m not about to speculate if it’s genuine or lies. The point is that those 3 guys on that podium all appeared comfortable with each other and on the same page. Let’s hope that continues. Any lack of trust or confidence would throw the entire ‘process’ into the wood chipper.
Whether Martins and/or the DeVos family made the decision and ignored any candidates Rob preferred, whether everyone agreed after the interview process that Skiles was the guy after all, the important factor in all of this is that it’s on the record that Hennigan had 31 May 2015 18:40:13 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/thoughts_on_the_scott_skiles_press_conference/18886400
http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/thoughts_on_the_scott_skiles_press_conference/18886400Thoughts on the Scott Skiles Press Conferencehttp://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/thoughts_on_the_scott_skiles_press_conference/18886400http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngA Laughably Long List of Potential Magic Coaching Candidates
Even if the Orlando Magic win their final two games of the season, that would still only give interim Head Coach James Borrego a 12-18 record heading into the offseason. I love the guy – everyone does – but that’s not good enough to be considered for the full-time position. The Magic are playing better under Borrego and lead assistant Igor Kokoskov since Jacque Vaughn was let go, but there are still way too many inconsistencies that can’t go unnoticed with how the team peforms. The Magic most likely need a clean slate in their coaching ranks as much as they need some player transactions. The players I’ll focus on in another piece.
I believe that the Magic ideally need someone who has multiple years of NBA head coaching experience for multiple teams. The front office seems open to bringing in another assistant or college guy, but that’s more risky considering that the Magic must make the playoffs next season. Also, how much player personnel power will the new Head Coach want?
Thankf...12 Apr 2015 22:59:49 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/a_laughably_long_list_of_potential_magic_coaching_candidates/18615986
http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/a_laughably_long_list_of_potential_magic_coaching_candidates/18615986A Laughably Long List of Potential Magic Coaching Candidateshttp://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/a_laughably_long_list_of_potential_magic_coaching_candidates/18615986http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngShaquille O’Neal Receives Standing Ovation from Magic Fans in ReturnAP Photo/John Raoux
One of the biggest questions going into Friday night’s Orlando Magic contest against the Detroit Pistons: Would Magic fans boo Shaquille O’Neal?
And the answer is…
No boos, just a lot of standing cheers for the 3rd man to be inducted into the franchise’s Hall of Fame. The Amway Center crowd in between the first quarter and second period break accepted the big man back with open arms. Hearing Paul Porter go vintage throwback on us with the loud “Shaquille O’Neal” was fantastic. It’s 2 decades in the making, but the pain Shaq left the City Beautiful with when he departed for L.A. may be slowly dissipating.
Shaq was greeted at midcourt by CEO Alex Martins and Dan DeVos. Notice Shaq hugged Magic lead assistant coach Igor Kokoskov as he slowly made his way to the FOX Sports Magic television announcing table to talk on the telecast during the entire second quarter with David Steele and Jeff Turner.
Adam Papageorgiou is Owner/Editor of MBO and Founder of Orlando Mag...27 Mar 2015 19:48:02 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/shaquille_oneal_receives_standing_ovation_from_magic_fans_in_return/18532568
http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/shaquille_oneal_receives_standing_ovation_from_magic_fans_in_return/18532568Shaquille O’Neal Receives Standing Ovation from Magic Fans in Returnhttp://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/shaquille_oneal_receives_standing_ovation_from_magic_fans_in_return/18532568http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngMagic Hold Off Sixers to Claim First 3-Game Win Streak of SeasonPhoto by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images
The Orlando Magic definitely didn’t want to lose again to the Philadelphia 76ers like they did in December. It wasn’t easy, but the Magic won 103-98 on Sunday night. First 3-game winning streak of the season for the pinstriped patrol. Orlando is now 4-0 under Borrego when Luke Ridnour plays. Orlando survived despite the Sixers making thirteen 3-pointers.
Nikola Vucevic led Orlando with 31 points and 14 rebounds. Victor Oladipo added 17 points while Channing Frye contributed 15 points. Birthday boy Elfrid Payton poured in 10 points, 7 assists, and 8 rebounds. It’s the sixth consecutive game (all under Borrego) where the Magic have held their opponent to under 100 points scoring. Robert Covington and JaKarr Sampson led Philadelphia with 16 points each.
Below is the full game recap.
After missing 3 games with a bruised knee, Tobias Harris got the start tonight.
Today was Elfrid Payton’s 21st birthday. Also, Stuff the Magic Dragon al...22 Feb 2015 20:40:46 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/magic_hold_off_sixers_to_claim_first_3_game_win_streak_of_season/18324020
http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/magic_hold_off_sixers_to_claim_first_3_game_win_streak_of_season/18324020Magic Hold Off Sixers to Claim First 3-Game Win Streak of Seasonhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/magic_hold_off_sixers_to_claim_first_3_game_win_streak_of_season/18324020http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngOrlando Was Loud in Trade Deadline Silence
While much of the league was participating in Trade Deadline deals on Thursday afternoon, all was quiet for GM Rob Hennigan and the Orlando Magic. But in the front office’s silence, the Magic made some statements.
Decisions on Tobias Harris and Kyle O’Quinn Will be Made in the Summer
Tobias Harris is making about $2.3 million this season. Kyle O’Quinn at around $915,000. Both are restricted free agents in a few months. Both are looking at substantial raises. How substantial will determine whether or not Rob Hennigan wants to match contract offers that other teams will dish out at the 22-year-old and 24-year-old, or if he’ll let one or both of them walk away.
Tobias Harris is rumored to be looking for somewhere around $14 million per season (close to a max deal). T12 is averaging 17.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg on 46.5 FG% and 37.5 3PT%. He’s got a couple of game-winners in his pocket as a member of the Magic, and Harris seems to be Orlando’s crunch time player down the stretch of contests. ...19 Feb 2015 22:42:29 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/orlando_was_loud_in_trade_deadline_silence/18307316
http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/orlando_was_loud_in_trade_deadline_silence/18307316Orlando Was Loud in Trade Deadline Silencehttp://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/orlando_was_loud_in_trade_deadline_silence/18307316http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/b/9bba6c119da09a6ed58ce15f5890841a4115e701/mini/7204672.jpgMagic look to build momentum at home coming out of All-Star breakORLANDO, Fla. -- With seven of their next eight games coming at home, and with the knowledge that James Borrego will remain their coach for the rest of the season, the Orlando Magic have an opportunity to build on the modest momentum they had going into the NBA All-Star break.
But the memory of what happened during the holidays in late December is still fresh enough in their minds to serve as a cautionary tale.
The Magic went 1-6 at the Amway Center beginning the weekend before Christmas when they played seven of nine games at home. Oddly enough, they won at Charlotte and Miami in their only road games over that stretch. So hosting the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night and having several sub-.500 teams coming to town after that does not automatically guarantee success in a building where their record is 7-18.
"We don't want to rely on that. That's fool's gold for us," Borrego said Wednesday before the team's first practice since the break. "We've got to go try to win every game w...18 Feb 2015 18:00:00 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/magic_look_to_build_momentum_at_home_coming_out_of_all_star_break/18298853
http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/magic_look_to_build_momentum_at_home_coming_out_of_all_star_break/18298853Magic look to build momentum at home coming out of All-Star breakhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/magic_look_to_build_momentum_at_home_coming_out_of_all_star_break/18298853http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngMagic Hire Igor Kokoskov as Assistant; Borrego Head Coach Rest of Season
The Orlando Magic have named Igor Kokoskov the lead assistant coach for at least the rest of this season. It’s of little surprise that James Borrego will finish out this ’14-’15 campaign as interim Head Coach.
Kokoskov has a lot of experience for a 43-year-old. He’s spent 14 seasons as an assistant coach in the NBA, most recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the ’13-’14 campaign. During his tenure on an NBA bench, Kokoskov’s teams have made six conference finals appearances, two NBA Finals trips, and captured one NBA Championship.
Prior to joining the Cavaliers, Kokoskov spent five seasons with the Phoenix Suns from 2008-2013. He also spent five seasons with the Detroit Pistons from 2003-2008, reaching the conference finals in each campaign and earning the 2004 NBA title.
In 2000, Kokoskov became the first full-time, non-American assistant coach in NBA history when he was named to Alvin Gentry’s staff with the Los Angeles Clippers. He spent three seasons with the Clippers fr...17 Feb 2015 21:50:56 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/magic_hire_igor_kokoskov_as_assistant_borrego_head_coach_rest_of_season/18292733
http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/magic_hire_igor_kokoskov_as_assistant_borrego_head_coach_rest_of_season/18292733Magic Hire Igor Kokoskov as Assistant; Borrego Head Coach Rest of Seasonhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/magic_hire_igor_kokoskov_as_assistant_borrego_head_coach_rest_of_season/18292733http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngMagic interim coach Borrego to finish the seasonORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Orlando Magic interim coach James Borrego will remain in that post at least through the end of the season.
In addition, the team announced Tuesday that it has added Igor Kokoskov (kuh-KOS-kov) as an assistant coach.
Borrego took over after Jacque Vaughn was fired earlier this month following a 15-37 start to his third season. Vaughn's assistant coaches Brett Gunning and Wes Unseld Jr. were also dismissed, along with advanced scouting manager Zack Guthrie. Laron Profit and Jay Hernandez, who both formerly worked in player development, were previously elevated to serve as Borrego's assistants.
Borrego has gone 2-2 since taking over.
The 43-year-old Kokoskov has spent 14 seasons as an assistant coach in the NBA, most recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2013-14 season.17 Feb 2015 18:15:18 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/magic_interim_coach_borrego_to_finish_the_season/18291815
http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/magic_interim_coach_borrego_to_finish_the_season/18291815Magic interim coach Borrego to finish the seasonhttp://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/magic_interim_coach_borrego_to_finish_the_season/18291815http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngBorrego to coach Magic rest of season, Kokoskov added as assistantThe Orlando Magic have informed James Borrego that he will be their head coach for the remainder of season and have also hired a new lead assistant, Igor Kokoskov, to help him out.
The Magic have gone 2-2 since promoting Borrego from an assistant coach after the firing of Jacque Vaughn on Feb. 5. They have held their opponents under 100 points in all four games after giving up more than 100 in each of their final 14 games under Vaughn, who was let go along with assistant coaches Wes Unseld Jr. and Brett Gunning.
Borrego's only two assistants before the All-Star break last week had been Laron Profit and Jay Hernandez. Kokoskov, 43, is a native of Serbia who has been an NBA assistant for 14 seasons, most recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Magic are 17-39 and have 26 games remaining in their season, beginning Friday night at home against the New Orleans Pelicans. It is expected that team management will use that time to conduct an extensive search to find a permanent successor ...17 Feb 2015 13:49:00 -0500http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/borrego_to_coach_magic_rest_of_season_kokoskov_added_as_assistant/18290057
http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/borrego_to_coach_magic_rest_of_season_kokoskov_added_as_assistant/18290057Borrego to coach Magic rest of season, Kokoskov added as assistanthttp://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/borrego_to_coach_magic_rest_of_season_kokoskov_added_as_assistant/18290057http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngLakers Rumors: Byron Scott to add European coach Igor Kokoskov to staff?With training camp looming, new Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott is in the final stages of putting together his coaching staff, which is already reportedly set to feature Mark Madsen and Jim Eyen.
According to Marc Stein from ESPN, Scott is close to adding European coach Igor Kokoskov to his staff. The Serbian Kokoskov has previously worked with the University of Missouri and is currently the head coach of Georgia’s national team. Kokoskov has also been an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Sun and Cleveland Cavaliers, though the 42-year-old was not a part of Scott’s staff in Ohio – Mike Brown hired Kokoskov last summer.
Hearing new Lakers coach Byron Scott is closing on the addition of Igor Kokoskov, one of Europe's finest coaching exports, to his LA staff— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) September 7, 2014
Kokoskov, of Serbia, was on Mike Brown's staff in Cleveland last season and just led Georgia to qualification for next summer's EuroBasket— Marc Stein (@ESPNSt07 Sep 2014 19:40:04 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/lakers_rumors_byron_scott_to_add_european_coach_igor_kokoskov_to_staff/17229185
http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/lakers_rumors_byron_scott_to_add_european_coach_igor_kokoskov_to_staff/17229185Lakers Rumors: Byron Scott to add European coach Igor Kokoskov to staff?http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/lakers_rumors_byron_scott_to_add_european_coach_igor_kokoskov_to_staff/17229185http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.pngReport: Former Bucks Coach Larry Drew to Join David Blatt’s StaffWith all the excitement over LeBron James’ return to Cleveland, along with all the talk of the impending Kevin Love trade, one of the overlooked stories surrounding the Cavaliers is the makeup of new coach David Blatt’s staff. Tyronn Lue was hired to be Blatt’s Associate Head Coach, but other than rumors of mutual interest in Larry Drew, no word has come down on the rest of the staff.
On Wednesday afternoon, however, Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe tweeted that the Cavaliers have indeed hired Larry Drew to be on David Blatt’s staff:
Former #bucks coach Larry Drew has agreed to join David Blatt's coaching staff with the #cavaliers, an NBA source told the Boston Globe
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) August 12, 2014
Drew was rather infamously and shamefully replaced as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the fallout of Jason Kidd’s failed power play in New Jersey, which landed Kidd in Milwaukee and left Drew unemployed. Drew is regarded as a coach who designs playstyle to the talent of 13 Aug 2014 13:20:42 -0400http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/report_former_bucks_coach_larry_drew_to_join_david_blatts_staff/17035298
http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/report_former_bucks_coach_larry_drew_to_join_david_blatts_staff/17035298Report: Former Bucks Coach Larry Drew to Join David Blatt’s Staffhttp://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/report_former_bucks_coach_larry_drew_to_join_david_blatts_staff/17035298http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png